CAIRO (AP) — A recent attack by Sudanese paramilitary forces has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 53 people killed in a shelling and drone assault on a shelter for displaced families in el-Fasher, located in the Darfur region. This incident is part of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has persisted for over two years, causing widespread devastation and humanitarian crises.
The Sudan Doctors' Network, an organization comprised of medical professionals monitoring the situation in Sudan, reported that among the deceased were at least 14 children and 15 women. The attack occurred late Friday and also left 21 individuals wounded, including five children and seven women, with most of the injured suffering from serious conditions.
The targeted shelter was al-Arqam Home, situated at the Omdurman Islamic University in el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur. The assault has been characterized by the medical community as a continuation of the "scorched-earth policy" employed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against civilian populations, which they claim is in blatant violation of international law and norms.
The RSF has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding this latest incident. Rights group Mashad Organization condemned the attack as "one of the most atrocious massacres" in the ongoing conflict, labeling it an act of genocide unfolding in front of an indifferent global audience.
El-Fasher has been at the center of intense fighting between the Sudanese military and paramilitary forces for months. The city represents the last stronghold for the military in Darfur. The RSF has maintained a blockade of el-Fasher since July and has frequently bombarded the area, leading to dire humanitarian conditions. Currently, an estimated 260,000 civilians are trapped in the city, with most of the population having fled due to ongoing RSF attacks. The remaining residents are experiencing acute shortages of food and are facing outbreaks of diseases, including cholera, as warned by the United Nations.
The conflict in Sudan erupted into open warfare in April 2023, following escalating tensions between the military and the RSF in the capital city of Khartoum and other regions. This violent clash has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 14 million people from their homes, pushing parts of the country into a state of famine.
The ongoing conflict has been marked by serious human rights violations, including mass killings and sexual violence. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating these atrocities as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a resolution to the escalating violence.
